Archaeologists probe police HQ for Bannockburn and Roman remains

Archaeologists are searching the grounds of a police headquarters for historic evidence of the Battle of Bannockburn and a Roman road.

Archaeologists are searching the grounds of a police headquarters for historic evidence of the Battle of Bannockburn and a Roman road.

Experts believe they are located at Central Scotland Police headquarters in Randolphfield, Stirling. Archaeologists from Stirling Council believe the land is of historical importance.

A geophysical survey is being carried out over an area surrounding two standing stones in front of the building. The stones are said to commemorate or may have been used in a skirmish during the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

Thomas Randolph, the Earl of Moray, led 500 Scottish horsemen into battle against a troop of English cavalry, under the command of Sir Robert Clifford. The skirmish was won by Randolph and the area, Randolphfield, was named after him.

Council archaeologist Murray Cook said: "The Roman road was built around 80AD when Stirling was part of the Roman empire. It was then used again by Edward II's army at Bannockburn.

"Robert Clifford led a daring raid round Robert the Bruce's position near the Borestone to try to relieve the English troops at Stirling Castle. He was beaten back by Thomas Randolph's brave stand which either used or is marked by the two standing stones. These are a remarkable survival from Stirling's amazing past.

"If we find the road or anything to do with the skirmish we hope to come next year and carry out some excavations as part of the lead-up to the 700th anniversary of the Bannockburn in 1314."

Deputy Chief Constable Gordon Samson, of Central Scotland Police, said: "We are very excited and intrigued as to what may be found this week."

Commenting & Moderation

We moderate all comments on HeraldScotland on either a pre-moderated or post-moderated basis. If you're a relatively new user then your comments will be reviewed before publication and if we know you well and trust you then your comments will be subject to moderation only if other users or the moderators believe you've broken the rules